What I Learned About Information Overload

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Many of us are information junkies (promise I mean that in the most endearing and non-judgmental way). You name the book, we read it. You name the course, we bought it. You name the influencer, we followed him or her.

Sure, there are worse habits to have like resembling a giraffe chowing down on grass while chewing gum. But too much information can slow down your progress rather than push you ahead.

I experienced this dilemma when I released my first book From Nine to Thrive. I researched the hell out of the self-publishing process and must’ve read over a dozen books and articles.

So of course, when it was time to launch my book, I felt confident, right? WRONG.

I stared at my laptop without the brilliant next steps I thought would come with all the research I did.

“Should I follow what Expert X said?” “Should I list my book at a low price, or for free, to try to get the Amazon #1 bestseller title?” “What if no one buys my book?”

“Why couldn’t you be satisfied with just writing an eBook?” I thought, suddenly turning into a five-year-old.

At that point, I wanted to crawl into my bed and forget about this crazy goal of mine, but then something happened.

My brilliant idea came flying in with a cape, and it was from nothing that I read.

It was K.I.S.S: Keep it simple, seriously!

Right then and there, I decided to scrap almost everything I read and watched others do. My new approach was to keep my book launch simple and organic by using my email list, LinkedIn network, friends and family, and blogs to spread the word.

I outlined my own definition of success as an author. For goodness sake, I wrote and published MY FIRST BOOK.

It wasn’t a #1 bestseller, but it sold consistently over the course of time, earned a five-star Amazon rating with over 25 REAL reviews, and opened doors to new business opportunities (including a speaking engagement at LinkedIn’s NYC office in the Empire State Building).

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t knock the advice I read or the marketing strategies that may have worked well for others. I just decided on a direction that worked best for me and my sanity.

You don’t have to burn all your books, unsubscribe to Audible, and scoff at the next Ted Talk you see in your newsfeed.

At the same time, you also don’t have to feel like you’re doing something “wrong” if it doesn’t fit nicely into what everyone else is telling you to do if you want to be successful.

What works for others may not be the best option for your unique business, circumstances, and journey.

Read, explore, and soak up all the good stuff many teach us based on their own personal journeys. But keep your focus and remember that the ultimate authority on you is you.

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Marietta Gentles Crawford is a writer, personal brand strategist, and author of "From Nine to Thrive: A Guide to Building Your Personal Brand and Elevating Your Career." With over 15 years' experience climbing through top corporate brands, she helps small businesses and freelancers communicate their brand message and stand out from the crowd.